Prescription medications that control your hunger and food cravings are known as weight loss pills, sometimes known as weight loss meds or anti-obesity medications. Numerous anti-obesity drugs that reduce hunger and food cravings have received FDA approval in recent years.
Drugs for weight loss decrease your appetite, which lowers the number of calories your body consumes daily. You will lose weight over time if you eat fewer calories.
For most people, the word “fat” is synonymous with “unhealthy”. But while it’s true that some fats are unhealthy — like trans fats and saturated fats — there are other kinds of fat which can actually help you lose weight. Here’s how to find out if your fat is good or bad for you.
Body fat comes in many forms – from subcutaneous fat (the kind that lies under the skin) to visceral fat (located between the abdominal organs). There is also intramuscular fat, which is found inside muscle cells. These different types of fat have very different functions. And since each type of fat has a unique effect on your health, knowing which kind you have can be key to losing weight and staying healthy.
We all know that body fat isn’t just one type of fat. It consists of various substances including proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids, or fatty acids. The more types of fat present, the fatter someone will be. But not all types of fat are equal.
Here’s what you need to know about them:
Type 1 Fat
Type 1 fat is also known as white adipose tissue (WAT), brown adipose tissue (BAT) or simply fat. This is the type of fat that stores energy for later use, so it makes sense that this type of fat is often called “cushioning” fat.
The two main types of Type 1 fat are subcutaneous and visceral fat. Subcutaneous fat is located below the skin and helps insulate us against heat loss. Visceral fat is located within the abdomen and around internal organs, and it is more likely to increase your risk of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
Type 2 Fat
Type 2 fat is also known as yellow adipose tissue (YAT), brown adipose tissue (BAT), or simply fat. This is the type of fat that is produced by our bodies when we’re starving, but it’s not the best type to store calories.
As we age, our bodies start producing less YAT because we don’t require as much energy during starvation periods. Unfortunately, these same cells become more insulin resistant and are more likely to cause problems like diabetes and obesity. YAT is the primary contributor to belly fat.
Subcutaneous fat is located beneath the skin and acts as an insulation layer. It aids in regulating blood sugar levels, keeping us warm, and protecting us against UV rays. Although it’s considered the healthier form of fat, it can still contribute to weight gain.
Visceral fat is stored in the body’s organs and cavities. Because it surrounds important organs, it’s more likely to cause serious diseases. People with high amounts of visceral fat are at higher risk of developing heart disease, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, and even cancer.
Type 3 Fat
Type 3 fat is also known as red adipose tissue (RAT), reddish-brown adipose tissue (RBAT), or simply fat. It’s the least common type of adipose tissue, and it’s mostly found in newborns.
Red adipose tissue appears pink or red when viewed under a microscope after being stained with dyes. Most people don’t produce any RAT until they reach adolescence. After puberty, the amount of RAT increases dramatically and peaks at 20 years old. In adults, RAT is usually found in the neck, chest, back, arms, legs, face, and genital area.
According to research conducted by Dr. Eric Ravussin and published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, RAT produces chemicals that increase thermogenesis and improve overall metabolism. It may also protect against certain cancers.
Type 4 Fat
Type 4 fat is also known as green adipose tissue (GAT), grass-green adipose tissue (GGAT), or simply fat. This is the most common type of adipose tissue, and it’s found throughout the body. Green adipose tissue is the second largest type of adipose tissue next to brown adipose tissue.
Although green adipose tissue is the most prevalent type of adipose tissue, it only accounts for approximately 10% of total body mass. Other tissues include bone marrow, muscles, and connective tissues.
Type 5 Fat
Type 5 fat is also known as black adipose tissue (BAT), dark-brown adipose tissue (DBAT), or simply fat. This type of adipose tissue is found in the upper torso and the head. It’s found primarily in our extremities such as the arms and legs.
It’s thought that BAT is involved in our fight-or-flight response because it releases hormones and chemicals that make us feel anxious and ready for action. It may also regulate blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and reduce inflammation.
Studies show that humans have small quantities of BAT in their bodies. However, the amount of BAT varies among individuals. Some people have almost no detectable BAT, while others have a lot. It might be possible to activate the dormant BAT in overweight people who want to lose weight.
In order to activate BAT, you’ll need to do something similar to what you’d do if you were going into hypothermia mode: expose yourself to cold temperatures.
